Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What classification pertains to a compound that has a specific structure and function in an organism?

1. Element

2. Molecule

3. Compound

4. Complex

The correct answer is: Compound

The correct classification for a compound that has a specific structure and function in an organism is a compound. Compounds are substances formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. They possess unique properties that give them specific roles within biological systems. For example, molecules like glucose and proteins not only consist of specific atoms arranged in defined ways but also perform vital functions, such as providing energy or facilitating biochemical reactions, within an organism. The term "element" refers to a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances, consisting of only one type of atom. "Molecule" signifies two or more atoms chemically bonded, which can be composed of the same type of atoms or different ones, but might not necessarily fulfill a specific structural or functional role in living organisms. "Complex" often describes a larger assembly of molecules or structures without indicating a specific chemical composition, and is typically used in more intricate biological contexts rather than to denote a basic compound. Therefore, the definition of a compound aligns with the context of having both a specific structure and function in biological systems, distinguishing it as the appropriate choice in this scenario.